经尿道钬激光前列腺剜除术治疗大体积良性前列腺增生

目的:评价经尿道钬激光前列腺剜除术(HoLEP)治疗大体积良性前列腺增生(BPH)的价值。方法:BPH患者60例,前列腺重量均>100g,分为HoLEP组(n=32)和耻骨上经膀胱前列腺切除术组(n=28),比较两组手术时间、术中出血量和术后膀胱冲洗时间、导尿管留置时间、住院时间;术后3个月随访,比较两组患者IPSS、生活质量评分(QOL)、最大尿流率(Qmax)、剩余尿量(PVR)等指标的变化。结果:HoLEP组与耻骨上经膀胱前列腺切除术组比较手术时间有所延长(P<0.01),但术中出血量减少(P<0.01),膀胱冲洗时间、导尿管留置时间、术后住院时间明显缩短(P<0.01)。术后3个月,两组IPSS、QOL、Qmax、PVR较自身术前显著改善(P<0.01),组间比较差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:HoLEP治疗大体积BPH具有与开放性前列腺切除术相似的疗效,同时手术安全性高、患者痛苦小、术后恢复快,是一种更适合于大体积BPH治疗的手术方式。     

三种经尿道前列腺切除术治疗良性前列腺增生的疗效比较

目的比较良性前列腺增生（BPH）的三种经尿道手术治疗效果。方法分别采用经尿道前列腺电切术（TURP）、经尿道双极等离子前列腺切除术（PKRP）和经尿道铥激光前列腺切除术（TmLRP）治疗BPH共137例。结果三种术式患者手术前后前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOLs）、残余尿（RUV）、最大尿流率（Qmax）比较均得到显著改善（P〈0．01），疗效满意。前列腺重量（PW）〈40g时，TmLRP组手术时间明显短于PKRP和TURP组（P〈0．01）。PW〉50g时，TmLRP组手术时间明显长于PKRP和TURP组（P〈0．01）。TmLRP和PKRP组术中出血少，术后膀胱冲洗时间、留管时间及住院时间均短于TURP组（P〈0．01）。站论三种经尿道手术方法均是治疗BPH的有效手段，TmLRP和PKRP比TURP更安全，术中及术后并发症更少。     

症状性BPH剩余尿及最大尿流率的临床价值再探讨

目的：探讨症状性BPH剩余尿（PVR）、最大尿流率（Qmax）在临床诊疗中的作用。方法：对173例BPH症患者进行IPSS、并测定Qmax、PVR及前列腺体积。应用相关分析评价各检变量间的相关性及其不同组间各指标的比较。结果：PVR与IPSS、前列腺移行带体积均呈正相关，与Qmax呈负相关。与年龄、前列总腺体积（P〉0．05）之间均无相关。PVR〈10ml组与10-30ml组在年龄、IPSS、前列腺移行带体积和Qmax比较差异均无统计学意义。PVR10-30ml组与≥30ml组在年龄、前列腺移行带体积比较差别均无统计学意义，而IPSS、Qmax比较差别有统计学意义。在Qmax〈10mL／s组，Qmax与年龄、IPSS、PVR、前列腺总体积和前列腺移行带体积均呈负相关；在Qmax〉10ml／s组，Qmax与上述指标均呈无相关（P〉0．05）；除年龄外，两组间上述指标均差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论：症状性BPH患者PVR≥30ml，Qmax〈10ml／s时，在排除其他因素引起逼尿肌损害所致的PVR增加及Qmax降低后，应及早解除膀胱出口梗阻。     

SPP、TURP、HoLEP三种前列腺切除术对性功能的影响

目的比较钬激光前列腺切除术（HoLEP）、经尿道前列腺电切术（TURP）和耻骨上前列腺切除术（SPP）三种手术方式对BPH患者性功能的影响。方法随访92例前列腺切除手术的BPH患者，评价：IPSS、性生活情况、勃起功能（阴茎勃起硬度、IIEF-5）和射精情况（射精有无、精液量、有无逆行射精、有无射精痛）。结果（1）三组术后3月IPSS评分均有显著下降（P〈0．01）；（2）三组术后IIEF-5均有不同程度降低，SPP组与术前比较，差异有显著统计学意义（P〈0．01）。校正可能影响IIEF-5的因素后，三组手术IIEF．5评分改变无统计学差异；（3）HoLEP组、TURP组、SPP组勃起功能下降的发生率分别为：38．1％、28．6％、31．0％，HoLEP、SPP组术后勃起硬度下降明显；（4）HoLEP组和SPP组术后逆行射精发生率较术前有显著差异；（5）三种手术对性欲以及射精量的影响均较小；（6）勃起硬度的降低以及逆行射精的发生三种手术间无明显差异。结论HoLEP术后可导致性功能下降，主要表现在勃起功能降低和逆行射精。HoLEP术对性功能的影响与TURP和SPP相似。     

经尿道等离子电切与经膀胱前列腺摘除术治疗大体积前列腺增生的比较

目的：比较经尿道前列腺等离子电切术（PKPR）和经膀胱前列腺摘除术（TVP）治疗大体积（100-150m1）良性前列腺增生（BPH）的安全性和有效性。方法：将100例体积介于100-150ml的BPH患者随机分配到,PKRP组和TVP组。术前分析相关临床资料,术后1个月、3个月、6个月和12个月对患者进行随访,评估指标包括国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOL）、最大尿流率（Qmax）和膀胱剩余尿量（PVR）,并记录不良事件。结果：总计有96例患者完成了12个月的随访,PKRP组手术时间较长,但术中失血量少;TVP组虽然有较高的输血率,但腺体切除率占明显优势。PKRP组术后留置导尿管时间、膀胱冲洗时间及住院时间明显缩短。术后1个月,两组的评估指标均得到显著改善,下尿路症状的改善状态在术后12个月内均维持着稳定状态,两组间IPSS、QOL、Qmax和PVR参数并无明显差异。虽然术后两组的并发症发生率较少,但PKRP组的尿道狭窄发生率高于TVP组。结论：对于体积介于100-150ml的BPH患者,PKRP是一种安全有效的治疗方式,能达到传统开放手术的效果。     

症状性前列腺增生剩余尿及最大尿流率的临床价值再探讨

目的：探讨症状性前列腺增生剩余尿（PVR）、最大尿流率（Qmax）在临床诊疗中的作用。方法：对173例BPH患者进行IPSS评分、并测定Qmax、PVR及前列腺体积。应用相关分析评价各检变量间的相关性及其不同组问各指标的比较。结果：PVR与IPSS、前列腺移行带体积均呈正相关，与Qmax呈负相关。与年龄、前列总腺体积之问均无相关（P〉O．05）。PVR＜10ml组与10～30ml组在年龄、IPSS、前列腺移行带体积和Qmax比较差异均无统计学意义。PVR 10～30ml组与≥30ml组在年龄、前列腺移行带体积比较差异均无统计学意义,而IPSS、Qmax比较差异有统计学意义。在Qmax〈10ml／s组，Qmax与年龄、IPSS、PVR、前列腺总体积和前列腺移行带体积均呈负相关；在Qmax〉10ml／s组，Qmax与上述指标均呈无相关（P〉0.05）；除年龄外，两组问上述指标均有显著的统计学意义（P＜0．001）。结论：症状性BPH患者PVR≥30ml，Qmax〈10ml／s时，在排除其他因素引起逼尿肌损害所致的PVR增加及Qmax降低后,应及早解除畴胱出口梗阻。     

经尿道选择性绿激光汽化术与前列腺汽化电切除术治疗良性前列腺增生的疗效比较

目的 比较经尿道选择性绿激光前列腺汽化术（PVP）与前列腺汽化电切除术（TUVP）治疗良性前列腺增生（BPH）的安全性及疗效。方法 随机采用PVP与TUVP两种手术方式治疗BPH患者163例,其中PVP组105例,TUVP组58例。对两组患者的国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOL）、术中出血量、手术时间、冲洗液清亮时间、留置尿管时间、最大尿流率、术后并发症等进行比较。结果 两组手术前后IPSS、QOL、Qmax、剩余尿量（RUV）比较均显著改善（P〈0．05）,但两组之间症状改善差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。TUVP组手术时间平均（37±15）min,PVP组则为平均（45±28）min,TUVP手术操作时间少于PVP,但差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。PVP组术中出血量少、拔除尿管早,优于TUVP组（P〈0,05）。术后随访6个月两组前列腺症状评分及最大尿流率疗效相同。TUVP组术后血尿明显（41．4％）,需膀胱冲洗,而PVP术后尿路刺激症状明显（55．2％,P〈0．05）。结论 PVP手术是一种手术过程非常安全、并发症少,能达到与TUVP完全相同治疗效果的手术方式。     

经直肠高强度聚焦超声(HIFU)治疗良性前列腺增生的临床研究

目的探讨经直肠高强度聚焦超声（high-intensity focused ultrasound，HIFU）治疗良性前列腺增生（BPH）的有效性和安全性。方法对150例BPH患者采用Sonablate 500型“经直肠超声聚能刀”进行前列腺消融术。在术前、术后30min，1、2、6和12个月，经直肠超声观察前列腺和前列腺部尿道的影像学变化，通过尿液分析、国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOL）、最大尿流率（Qmax）和残余尿量（PVR）进行疗效评估，同时观察术后并发症。23例术后12个月行排尿期膀胱尿道造影。结果对143例进行了12个月的观察随访，术后IPSS评分和QOL评分降低，PVR减少，Qmax明显提高（P〈0．01），前列腺体积缩小（P〈0．05）。前列腺消融时间25—90min。术后留置尿管时间为3—19d，7例术后反复排尿困难、药物治疗效果不佳者行TURP手术，3例患者出现附睾炎，1例术后15d发生尿道直肠瘘。术后经直肠超声观察和膀胱尿道造影，证实术后前列腺部尿道较术前明显增宽。结论“经直肠超声聚能刀”前列腺消融术，能对前列腺组织进行选择性破坏，具有微创（无血手术）、安全和并发症少等优点。对前列腺中叶增生明显者可联合TURP治疗。“经直肠超声聚能刀”治疗BPH近期疗效满意，远期疗效有待进一步观察。     

经尿道前列腺汽化电切术的中长期疗效观察

目曲评估经尿道前列腺汽化电切术（transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate，TUVP）的中、长期疗效。方法随访83例TUVP患者的国际前列腺症状评分（IPSS）、生活质量评分（QOL）、最大尿流率（Qmax）、剩余尿量（RU）和前列腺体积，并与85例开放性前列腺切除术相比较。培杲两组IPSS、QOL、Qmax、RU出院时与术前相比均有显著性差异（P〈0．05），随访与出院时相比均无显著差异，组间相比无显著差异。前列腺体积两组随访与术前相比均有显著性差异，组间相比术前无显著差异，随访有显著差异（P〈0．05）。培论TUVP可取得与开放性前列腺切除术相似的近期疗效，中、长期疗效稍逊于开放性手术，前列腺腺体切除的彻底性不及开放性手术。     

选择性绿激光治疗前列腺增生症患者临床疗效分析

目的探讨选择性绿激光治疗良性前列腺增生症（BPH）的疗效和安全性。方法具有手术指征的BPH患者82例，随机分为两组。应用选择性绿激光（PVP）治疗41例，采用经尿道前列腺切除术（TURP）治疗41例。观察两组的治疗效果。结果PVP组术中出血量、手术时间、术后膀胱冲洗时间、置尿管时间、住院时间以及手术并发症与TURP组比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。两组治疗后在IPSS，QOL，Qmax、RU等方面比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论PVP治疗BPH手术操作简单安全，疗效确切，时间短，出血少，无大出血及液体吸收并发症，尤其对于高危患者，PVP术的优势更加明显。     

Vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction during major abdominal surgery

Background : We investigated the vasopressor hormone response following mesenteric traction (MT) with hypotension due to prostacyclin (PGI₂) release in patients undergoing abdominal surgery with a combined general and epidural anesthesia. Methods : In a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study we administered 400 mg ibuprofen (i.v.) in 42 patients scheduled for abdominal surgery. General anesthesia was combined with epidural anesthesia (T4-L1). Before as well as 5, 15, 30, 45, and 90 min after MT we recorded plasma osmolality, hemodynamics and measured 6-keto-PGFlα (stabile metabolite of PGI₂), TXB₂ (stabile metabolite of thromboxane A₂) active renin, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) plasma concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Catecholamine levels were assessed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection. Results : Following MT, arterial hypotension occurred along with a substantial PGI₂ release. This was completely abolished by ibuprofen administration. Although plasma levels of 6-keto-PGF_1α (1133 (708) vs. 60 (3) ng/L, median (median absolute deviation), P=0.0001, placebo vs. ibuprofen) remained significantly elevated, blood pressure was restored within 30 min after MT in the placebo group. At the same point in time plasma concentrations of TXB² (164 (87) vs. 58 (1) ng/L, P=0.0001), epinephrine (46 (33) vs. 14 (6) ng/L, P=0.001), AVP (41 ± (18) vs. 12 (7) ng/L, P=0.0004), and active renin (27 (12) vs. 12 (4) ng/L, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in placebo-treated patients. Conclusion : Under combined general and epidural anesthesia arterial hypotension following MT due to endogenous PGI₂ release is associated with enhanced release of AVP, active renin, epinephrine and thromboxane A₂, presumably contributing to hemodynamic stability within 30 min after MT.     

Microspheres Based Detoxification System: A New Method in Convective Blood Purification

Abstract: A variety of protein-bound or hydrophobic substances, accumulating as a result of pathologic conditions such as exogenous or endogenous intoxications, are removed poorly by conventional detoxification methods because of low accessibility (hemodialysis), insufficient adsorption capabilities (hemosorption), low efficiency (peritoneal dialysis), or economic limitations (high-volume plasmapheresis). Combining advantages of existing methods with microspheric technology, a module-based system was designed. Major operating parameters of the latter can be modified to allow for adjustment to individual clinical situations. An extracorporeal blood circuit including a plasmafilter is combined with a secondary high-velocity plasma circuit driven by a centrifugal pump. Different microspheric adsorbers can be combined in one circuit or applied in sequence. Thus, a prolonged treatment can be tailored using specially designed selective adsorber materials. Comparing this system with existing methods (high-flux hemodialysis, molecular adsorbent recycling system), results from our in vitro studies and animal experiments demonstrate the superior efficiency of substance removal.     

Bariatric Surgery in Some "Central and East-European (former Eastern bloc)"Countries - Current Status and Prediction for the Next Millennium

Background: Obesity is increasing globallly, including in the formerly "Eastern Bloc" countries. Methods: A survey was made of obesity and bariatric surgery. Results: In the 8 East and Central European countries studied, with total population 300 million, roughly 43% of the population was overweight (BMI 25-30), 23% obese (BMI > 30), with about 15 million people morbidly obese (BMI > 40). From 0-10 morbidly obese individuals/100,000/year undergo bariatric surgery. Conclusion: Most countries were found to provide inadequate treatment for obesity.The majority of the morbidly obese are not treated effectively. However, health-care awareness of obesity and bariatric surgeons are slowly increasing.     

Is the recovery profile of mivacurium independent of the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with normal plasma cholinesterase activity?

Background: The duration of action of muscle relaxants is poorly correlated to the rate of decay of their plasma concentration. The plasma concentration of mivacurium may rapidly decrease below its active concentration because of the extensive hydrolysis of mivacurium. By inflating a tourniquet on one upper limb for 3 min after the administration of atracurium, mivacurium or vecuronium, we studied the influence of the initial decline of their plasma concentration on their effect. Methods: In 50 patients anaesthetised with thiopental, isoflurane and fentanyl, the effect of bolus doses of 0.15 or 0.25 mg . kg^?1 mivacurium (MIV 15, MIV 25), 0.3 or 0.5 mg . kg^?1 atracurium (ATR 30, ATR 50) and 0.06 or 0.1 mg . kg^?1 vecuronium (VEC 06, VEC 10) were measured on both arms (evoked response of the adductor pollicis to train-of-four stimulation every 12 s), a tourniquet being applied on one arm just before and during 3 min after the muscle relaxant bolus. Results: Tourniquet inflation of 3 min almost abolished the neuromuscular effect of mivacurium. In the vecuronium groups and in the ATR 50 group, tourniquet inflation did not modify the maximum degree of depression of the twitch response. Also, the duration of action of vecuronium was unaffected by the tourniquet. In the ATR 30 group, times to return of the twitch response to 25% (duration 25%) and 75% (duration 75%) of control response were significantly shorter in the cuffed arm, 23 min vs 27 min, and 41 min vs 45 min, respectively. In the ATR 50 group, only duration 25% was significantly shorter in the cuffed arm (41 min vs 45 min). Conclusion: The results suggest that the rate of decline of the plasma concentration of mivacurium is so rapid, that a very low and almost clinically ineffective concentration is present as soon as 3 min after its administration. The results also indicate that the recovery from a mivacurium-induced neuromuscular blockade is not influenced by the rate of decay of its plasma concentration in patients with genotypically normal plasma cholinesterase.     

Membranes in Artificial Organs

Abstract: Membrane processes play a pivotal and enabling role in modern replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure and in the management of immunologic diseases. In fact, virtually all contemporary extracorporeal blood purification methods employ membrane devices, and the next generation of artificial organs and tissue engineering therapies are almost certain to be similarly grounded in membrane technology. In this short essay, we comment on the similarities and differences among synthetic membranes and their natural counterparts and also provide a critical overview of the demographics and technology of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, apheresis, oxygenation, and emerging membrane technologies and applications.     

Influence of dopexamine hydrochloride on haemodynamics and regulators of circulation in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery

Background: Catecholaminergic support is often used to improve haemodynamics in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. Dopexamine is a synthetic vasoactive catecholamine with beneficial microcirculatory properties. Methods: The influence of perioperative administration of dopexamine on cardiorespiratory data and important regulators of macro- and microcirculation were studied in 30 patients undergoing Whipple pancreaticduodenectomy. The patients received randomized and blinded either 2 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1 of dopexamine (n=15) or placebo (n=15, control group). The infusion was started after induction of anaesthesia and continued until the morning of the first postoperative day. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), vasopressin, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and catecholamine plasma levels were measured from arterial blood samples. Measurements were carried out after induction of anaesthesia, 2 h after onset of surgery, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, and on the morning of the first postoperative day. Results: Cardiac index (CI) increased significantly in the dopexamine group (from 2.61±0.41 to 4.57±0.78 1 · min^?1 · m^?2) and remained elevated until the morning of the first postoperative day. Oxygen delivery index (DO₂I) and oxygen consumption index (VO₂I) were also significantly increased in the dopexamine group (DO₂I: from 416±91 to 717±110 ml/m² · m²; VO₂I: from 98±25 to 157±22 ml/m² · m²), being significantly higher than in the control group. pHi remained stable only in the dopexamine patients, indicating adequate splanchnic perfusion. Vasopressive regulators of circulation increased significantly only in the untreated control patients (vasopressin: from 4.37±1.1 to 35.9±12.1 pg/ml; ET-1: from 2.88±0.91 to 6.91±1.20 pg/ml). Conclusion: Patients undergoing major abdominal surgery may profit from prophylactic perioperative administration of dopexamine hydrochloride in the form of improved haemodynamics and oxygenation as well as beneficial influence on important regulators of organ blood flow.     

Synergistic interaction between the effects of propofol and midazolam with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity in rabbits

Background: It has been shown that the depressive effects of both propofol and midazolam on consciousness are synergistic with opioids, but the nature of their interactions on other physiological systems, e. g. respiration, has not been fully investigated. The present study examined the effect of propofol and midazolam alone and in combination with fentanyl on phrenic nerve activity (PNA) and whether such interactions are additive or synergistic. Methods: PNA was recorded in 27 anaesthetised and artificially ventilated rabbits. In three groups, propofol, fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously in incremental doses to construct dose-response curves for the depressant effects of each one on PNA. In another two groups, the effect of pretreatment with either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. on the effects of propofol and fentanyl respectively on PNA were studied. Results: Propofol and fentanyl caused a dose-dependent depression of PNA with complete abolition at the highest total doses of 16 mg · kg^?1 i. v. and 32 μg · kg^?1 i. v., respectively. In contrast, midazolam in incremental doses to a total of 0.8 mg · kg^?1 reduced mean PNA by 63%, but approximately 12% of PNA remained at a total dose as high as 6.4 mg · kg^?1. The mean ED₅₀s, calculated from dose-response curves, were 5.4 mg · kg^?1, 3.9 μg · kg^?1 and 0.4 mg · kg^?1 for propofol, fentanyl and midazolam, respectively. Initial doses of either fentanyl 1 μg · kg^?1 i. v. or midazolam 0.05 mg · kg^?1 i. v. acted synergistically with subsequent doses of either propofol or fentanyl to abolish PNA at total doses of 8 mg · kg^?1 and 8 μg · kg^?1, respectively. Conclusion: Fentanyl has a synergistic interaction with both propofol and midazolam on PNA and hence potentially on respiration.     

Reduction of Plasma Fibrinogen, Immunoglobulin G, and Immunoglobulin M Concentrations by Immunoadsorption Therapy with Tryptophan and Phenylalanine Adsorbents

Abstract Immunoadsorption (1A) therapy with tryptophan (TR-350) or phenylalanine (PH-350) adsorbents has been used to reduce the concentration of serum antibodies in human lymphocyte antigen (HLA)-immunized patients. Other forms of plasma purification have been reported to reduce the level of fibrinogen, which affects the blood properties. In this study we investigated the effects of IA therapy using both adsorbents on plasma fibrinogen and immunoglobulins G and M in 13 patients (8 patients were treated with TR-350, and 5 patients were treated with PH-350). During each session 1 plasma volume (2.8 ± 0.4 L of plasma) was processed through the immunocolumn and then returned to the patient together with the blood cells. Compared with the pretreatment values, the plasma fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM concentrations were significantly reduced after IA therapy (p < 0.01 for TR-350; p < 0.04 for PH-350). There was a positive correlation between the degree of reduction of plasma proteins and the number of IA treatments given. A nonpara-metric test (Wilcoxon's signed-rank test or the Mann-Whitney test) was used for statistical analysis. We conclude from our study that IA therapy effectively lowers the plasma levels of fibrinogen, IgG, and IgM and thus can be considered a valuable alternative to other blood purification methods.     

Systemic analgesia adapted to the children's condition

A concept of balanced analgesia using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), paracetamol (acetaminophen), opioids, and corticosteroids can also be used in patients with pre-existing illnesses. NSAIDs are the most effective treatment for acute pain of moderate intensity in children; however, these drugs should be avoided in patients at increased risk for serious side effects, e.g. patients with renal impairment, bleeding tendency, or extreme prematurity. NSAIDs can be given with minimal risks to the younger child with mild to moderate asthma, and, in these patients, the use of steroids can be encouraged; in addition to their antiemetic and analgesic action, a beneficial effect on asthma symptoms can be expected. In the non-intubated child with cerebral trauma, exaggerated sedation caused by opioids and increased bleeding tendency caused by NSAIDs must be avoided. In neonates and small infants, the oral administration of sucrose or glucose is helpful to minimize pain reaction during short uncomfortable interventions.     

Dilemma of Membrane Biocompatibility and Reuse

Abstract: Numerous articles have been published on the multiple use of dialyzers and on the effect of different reprocessing chemicals and techniques on the dialyzer biocompatibility and performance. The results often appear contradictory, especially those comparing standard biocompatibility parameters. Despite this confusion, a discerning review of the published works allows certain limited conclusions to be drawn. Reprocessing of used hemodialyzers changes the biocompatibility profile of a dialyzer as defined by the parameters complement activation. leukopenia, and cytokine release. The effect of reprocessing depends on the chemicals and reprocessing technique applied and also on the type of membrane polymer being subjected to the reprocessing procedure. Reports of pyrogenic reactions indicate that the flux of the membrane also influences how suitable it is for safe reuse. An increased risk of allergic and pyrogenic reactions appears to be associated with dialyzer reuse. Furthermore, there has been a lack of investigations into the immunologic effect of the layer of adsorbed and chemically altered proteins that remains on the inner surface of reprocessed dialyzers. We conclude that the clinical benefit of dialyzer reuse cannot be generally accepted from a biocompatibility point of view.